“It’s a very good thing then that I can start immediately.”
Peter sat down in his chair and I walked around his desk and took another chair. “So what have you been up to today?”
Peter filled me in on the marketing stuff he had been working on before saying, “I’ve got a friend from college who’s a whiz at graphics and such. I was talking to him when you walked in. I called him to see if he had time to work on putting together some sales brochures for us.”
“And did he?” I asked with a smile. What I really wanted to ask was how he knew Lara?
“Yeah, he’s just finishing up a big project and can take a look at things first part of next week.”
“That’s good news.” It grew silent and Peter’s face took on a sober expression.
“What’s wrong?”
“I was just thinking about something else Jake told me.”
“Oh, what? Bad news?” I made sure to conceal the emotions that were bubbling just beneath the surface.
“Well, it depends on how you look at it. Jake is married to Lara’s cousin. He let me know that while she still has to undergo more therapy, she’ll be released from the rehab clinic.”
I sobered immediately. I was pleased that he had told me, but really – I didn’t want to discuss her! Why didn’t she just disappear from our lives? For good? Trying to play the concerned girlfriend and not sound like a royal bitch, I did the politically correct thing and asked, “How do you feel?”
Peter shook his head, “Actually, I’m not sure. I do know though, that I don’t want to spend time talking about her when I could be celebrating with you.”
I smiled at him. I still had plenty of questions, but Peter was letting me know that any discussion of Lara was off the table. She’s a big black shadow hovering over our relationship. Just waiting for a moment of inattentiveness on either of our parts so she can swoop down and cause more havoc.
Peter took me to an early dinner, and Lara’s name didn’t come up once. I could tell that Peter was hesitant whether or not I could let the subject go. I really hoped she didn't come up with a new idea to wreck our relationship.
While at dinner, several more of Peter’s acquaintances stopped by our table with the same news about Lara. He graciously accepted their info, but he never discussed the subject with me. I guess both of us are afraid of what might happen if we do.
Peter and I took a walk after dinner, enjoying the evening air, and we touched on many issues, but Lara wasn’t one of them. She's the elephant in the room - again.
Chapter 15
A few weeks later…
The first project with Mr. Johnson was finally finished. To celebrate, Peter and I went to an early dinner with Steve, his wife, Karen, and Robert. Peter had procured reservations at one of the most prestigious restaurants in the city, and I had dressed for the occasion in one of my new business suits.
As I’d known he would, Peter absolutely loved my new look. I had continued to style my hair by using a flatiron to smooth out the natural curls. The straight, shiny look of my hair gave me a sophisticated appearance and was surprisingly much easier to manage than the naturally curly waves I’d been born with.
The golden highlights in my hair stood out far better when it was smooth and sleek. With the attention now focused on my face, I had taken to wearing more makeup, emphasizing my eyes with eye shadow, eyeliner, and mascara.
The effect was amazing and I now not only looked like a woman ready to take on the world, I felt that way too. Whoever said that clothes make the woman definitely knew what they were talking about. I felt like an entirely different person!
The business suit I’d chosen to wear for dinner was a very feminine piece in a deep teal color. The material was lightweight and fitted my figure as if it had been made specifically for me. The short slim line skirt ended several inches above my knees, giving even more length to my legs below.
I was pleased to be able to wear the strappy three-inch heels in a matching color. I had always hated being taller than my boyfriend, but Peter was 6’4” so I didn’t have to worry which shoes I wore. I was only 5’7” so I could wear high heels without giving it a second thought.
The jacket of the suit was tucked in at the waist, emphasizing my slim figure and my chest at the same time. I wore a lighter shade of teal shell beneath the jacket and my only jewelry was a single gold chain around my neck.
When Peter picked me up, he had whistled and commented on my attire, making me blush in pleasure at his praise.
Steve and Robert had been just as complimentary, and I was feeling very good about myself and life as the waiters delivered our main course.
The restaurant was a classy joint with a small stage that allowed for live music at times and a small dance floor as well. The conversation flowed smoothly during dinner, and after taking our dessert orders, Peter excused himself for a moment.
I didn’t give it any thought, and resumed my conversation with Steve’s wife. When I heard my name being called over the sound system moments later, I looked up in surprise to see Peter standing on the small stage with a microphone in his hand.
“Rachel, come on. Join me on the stage for a moment.”
Steve’s wife urged me to go and I slowly made my way up to where Peter stood. The closer I got, the more worried I became. What is he up to? I hope he doesn't want me to make a speech.
We had been celebrating my accomplishments on the Johnson project most of the evening. I was handling the private praise well enough, but if he expected me to talk in front of a bunch of people, especially strangers I didn’t know, he was going to see me fall into a full-blown panic attack.
I had grown so much more confident with my new job and my new responsibilities, but I still hated talking in front of more than one or two people. I shivered. My knees started trembling. As I approached the two stairs that would take me up to Peter’s level, I almost faltered and couldn’t do it.
Peter didn’t give me much choice, taking my hand and literally pulling me up the last step to stand by his side as he began to speak to the small crowd of diners.
“Hi folks. I know most of you don’t know me, but I wanted to take a moment and tell you about this amazing woman standing next to me.
A few months ago I was involved in a tragic accident that not only injured my body, but also caused temporary amnesia. After returning home and back to work, several other incidents happened that caused me to doubt my abilities in every area of my life. I pushed people away, stopped performing my job, and almost lost my company.
This woman stepped in and took things under control when I was at my worst. She not only saved the project and the company, but she saved me from myself. Without her love and support, I don’t know where I’d be right now.
When things had reached the lowest of the low, I cut and ran. After I returned from running away, she was even willing to forgive me for screwing up so badly.”
I knew my face was beet red. I didn’t know why Peter was doing this, but we were soooo going to discuss this later. In private. I looked at the people who were observing my embarrassment and realized that everyone could see exactly how I felt. My stomach turned. Why did he do this to me?
Karen met my eyes and gave me a thumbs up and a smile of encouragement. Steve’s wife smiled at me and mouthed a “Thank you” across the room. During dinner I had learned how upset both Steve and his wife had been when they thought the company was beyond repair.
Peter had continued to extol my praises to the gathered audience. I didn’t plug back in to what he was saying until I heard him say, “I owe her everything. After getting to know her I realized what is really important in life and that work is not everything.”
Several chuckles came from the crowd. I guess other people had already figured that out.
Peter looked at me as he finished speaking, smiling with love shining from his eyes.
When he knelt down in front of me on one knee, I gasped and tried to pull him back
up. “Peter, what are you doing?” I whispered to him, tugging on his shirt to no avail.
He just continued to smile indulgently at me. “Rachel Baker, I love you. I love your smile and your wit. I love everything about you. I can’t imagine my life without you in it. Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
Peter extended his hand, which held a small square jewelry box.
I was so shocked that I just stood there looking at him with tears falling down my cheeks. Peter was everything I’d ever wanted in a boyfriend and soul mate. Could I really have it all?
“Come on, Rachel. Answer the poor man.” Karen hollered out and her voice brought me back to the present. I looked out at the crowd and then back to Peter. How much time had elapsed between him asking me and now? I had no idea, but evidently more than enough time and Peter was starting to doubt I would say “Yes.”
I hated seeing the doubt in his eyes and slowly pulled him back up to his feet while I nodded.
“Say it, Rachel. I want to hear you say the words,” he urged me, still holding out the ring box.
“Yes!” I shouted, wanting there to be no mistake. “Yes, Peter Shaw I will marry you!”
Peter took the ring from the box and placed it upon my ring finger before picking me around the waist and twirling me around several times. The ring was the most beautiful piece of jewelry I’d ever seen: a shine, twinkling, perfect diamond. A diamond so big it must have cost a fortune.
We kissed as he spun me and I couldn’t remember a time when I’d been happier. I vaguely registered the sound of everyone applauding and the catcalls, but my focus was on the man holding me safe in his arms and kissing me senseless. Everyone else was just background noise.
There were champagne toasts and well wishes from everyone and it was fairly late when we finally left the restaurant. Since Peter’s place was closer, we ended up at his place to celebrate our engagement.
We barely made it inside the apartment before we were tearing each other’s clothes off. Shoes were discarded where they dropped; a skirt in the living room, a shirt draped over a lamp, pants and underwear dropped in a trail that led directly to the bedroom.
Peter and I collapsed on the bed in a fit of giggles, which quickly turned to moans of delight as we mapped each other’s bodies with hands and mouths. Peter was a generous lover and I found myself floating on a sea of desire like never before.
“Peter, stop teasing me,” I pleaded with him more than once, but he wouldn’t be deterred.
He traced my body with his hands, leaving a damp trail behind with his mouth. When I was writhing on the bed, frantic to have him join with me, he levered himself above me. Looking into my eyes, he said, “Congratulations on your engagement Miss Baker.”
I leaned up to kiss him just as he joined our bodies together, “Congratulations on your engagement Mr. Shaw.”
No more words were spoken with our mouths. Our eyes communicated the depth of our emotions as we moved in unison up the steep mountain of desire. Neither of us wanted the sensations to end; yet we longed for the rapture that only came by jumping off the edge.
As we found bliss together, Peter whispered terms of endearments in my ears, praising me for everything he could think of. I felt so treasured and loved in that moment. I never wanted it to end.
Peter awakened me once more during the night, slowly making love to me and then wrapping me in his arms as we fell back to sleep. I woke up the next morning as he climbed from the bed, “Go back to sleep darling. I’m going to grab a shower and then I’ll make us some breakfast.”
“What time is it?” I murmured, not even opening my eyes.
“It’s early. Go back to sleep.”
I cracked my eyes open, looked at him, and then rolled over, mumbling, “Wake me when you get out of the shower and I’ll jump in.”
Peter leaned down and kissed my forehead even as my eyes started to close once again. I heard the water come on and then the happy sounds of Peter singing in the shower. I lay there with my eyes closed and listened with a smile upon my face. He’s got a beautiful voice!
When the doorbell rang a few minutes later, I cracked my eyes opened only to hear the water still running in the shower. I was torn as to whether or not I should answer the door. I wasn’t at my place; this was his place. Would he expect me to open the door? What if it’s a delivery man with something that Peter needs for work today? Will he get mad at me if I open the door? What if…
The doorbell rang again; whoever was standing on the front step was persistent. Shrugging my shoulders, I slipped my robe on, tying the sash as I hurried to the front door.
The sun was already shining brightly, so I didn’t bother to look through the peephole. I just threw the door open offering a smile to the person on the other side.
No way! I almost fell back into the apartment and immediately grabbed hold of the door intending to shut it in her face. I had not expected to see Lara standing there!
She has some nerves! After all, she dares to show up here? Isn’t she supposed to be in therapy still? God, what does she want now?
I am in shock at the gall this woman has. As I look at her, I realize that she’s not surprised to find me opening Peter’s door.
Anyhow, I had just celebrated my engagement to the man of my dreams and there was no way I was willing to let her ruin my happiness. I stepped back and tried to slam the door shut when she put her hand out, quickly saying, "Please, Rachel. I'm glad you're here. Please, may I come inside for a few minutes?”
“Give me one good reason why I would be stupid enough to do that?” I challenged her, using every ounce of bitchiness I could muster up. I looked her up and down, mistrust very evident in my perusal.
She looked very uncomfortable. Her clothing was not her usual designer label stuff and her makeup was almost none existent.
Part of my shock in seeing her came from the fact that I didn't know she had already been released. I wonder if Peter knows she’s out?
I looked beyond her, secretly hoping that there were men in white coats come to take her back to the rehab center, but she was most definitely alone. I did see the taillights of a taxi leaving and my heart sank. She couldn’t leave until another taxi was summoned, or we drove her home.
She continued to silently look at me, her question from earlier hanging in the air between us. What was she up to? What horrible things did she have in mind this time?
My prior experiences with Lara had been nothing but horrific and I had no reason to believe that rehab had changed her. No reason at all.
“Please? Just for a few minutes?” she pleaded once again.
Why had she come here?
Before I could begin to answer that question, it seemed she had read my thoughts and quickly offered, "I came to apologize."
To find out if Lara’s apology is honest and what happened to Lara in the rehab clinic, please join Rachel and Peter in book 4 of the series. Coming soon….
If you haven’t read part 1 of the story, where Rachel and Peter first meet, make sure to get the book here:
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Falling for Him 3 (Rachel and Peter in Love) Page 7
